Minor Chord Progressions
Minor chord progressions use the natural minor scale to create a darker, more melancholic sound than major progressions. In Am, the diatonic chords are Am, Bdim, C, Dm, Em, F, and G. The i, VII, VI, and iv chords are the most used — combining them in different orders produces the characteristic minor key sounds of rock, pop, folk, and classical music.
5 progressions — shown in A minor
Transpose to your key →i–VII–VI
Roman numerals
The defining minor progression. Moving from the minor tonic down through the major VII and VI creates a sense of inevitability and sadness. Used in hundreds of rock, pop, and film score hits. Am–G–F is one of the most fingerpicking-friendly progressions on guitar — all open chord shapes.
i–VI–III–VII
Roman numerals
The four-chord minor loop. All four chords are diatonic to Am and share a flowing, circular quality. One of the most used progressions in modern pop and indie. The movement from the minor tonic through three major chords creates emotional contrast — dark opening, brighter resolution.
i–iv–VII–III
Roman numerals
A descending movement through the natural minor scale. Folk, classical, and rock all use this four-chord descent. The bass line walks down the Aeolian mode (Am, Dm, G, C), creating a smooth, inevitable sense of arrival at the C major chord before cycling back.
i–iv–v
Roman numerals
Pure three-chord minor. The v chord (Em rather than E major) is the natural minor dominant — softer than the raised V7, giving this progression a modal, folky quality. Three minor chords with no major contrast creates maximum darkness and simplicity.
ii°–V7–i (Harmonic minor)
Roman numerals
Uses the raised 7th degree from harmonic minor. The E7 (V7 instead of Em) creates a strong dominant pull to Am via the leading tone (G#→A). The Bdim also uses the raised G#. This cadence is typical of classical and flamenco styles where a strong dominant resolution to the minor tonic is required.
How to Use Minor Chord Progressions
These progressions are shown in Am as the reference key — the most idiomatic key for minor chord progressions. Every progression uses Roman numeral notation, which is key-independent: the same relationships work in all 12 keys.
To use a progression in a different minor key, apply the same degree pattern to your target key. The Chords in a Key tool shows all diatonic chords for any major key. For transposing a full chord sheet, use the chord transposer. The Nashville Number System encodes these progressions as numbers so they work in any key instantly.
Diatonic Chord Reference
To apply these progressions in a different minor key, you need to know the diatonic chords for that key. Use our Chords in a Key tool for the major key equivalent (the relative major shares the same chords). For Am, the relative major is C — so the chords in Am are the same as chords in the key of C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the chords in a minor chord progression?
In natural minor: i (minor), ii° (diminished), bIII (major), iv (minor), v (minor), bVI (major), bVII (major). In Am: Am, Bdim, C, Dm, Em, F, G. Common practice also raises the V chord (E major/E7 from harmonic minor) for stronger resolution to i. The most used are i, bVII, bVI, and iv.
What is the most common minor chord progression?
i–VII–VI (Am–G–F) is among the most used, especially in rock and pop. The four-chord i–VI–III–VII (Am–F–C–G) is equally common in contemporary music. For jazz, the ii°–V7–i (Bdim–E7–Am) is the standard minor cadence. All three are diatonic to the natural minor (Aeolian) scale.
What makes a chord progression sound minor?
The presence of the minor i chord (with its minor third — 3 semitones above the root) is the defining feature. When the tonic chord is minor, the progression takes on a darker quality. The bVII and bVI chords above it (G and F in Am) add color without losing the minor feel. Slow tempos and descending bass lines amplify the effect.
How do I write a minor chord progression?
Start on the i chord (Am if you are in Am), then choose from the diatonic options: G, F, Dm, Em, C, Bdim. The most important rule is to return to Am regularly to anchor the key feeling. Common starting patterns: Am–G–F, Am–F–C–G, Am–Dm–Em. Add the raised V7 (E7) for a stronger cadential resolution back to Am.
Related Chord Progressions
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